Solo sailor located off Victorian coast

A solo sailor who activated his emergency beacon 120 nautical miles south of Mallacoota has been located.

The Russian yachtsman got into trouble about 1:30am (AEST) in rough conditions en route to Auckland, New Zealand, as a part of a round the world trip.

His yacht has been dismasted and the bad weather prevented any other vessels from getting close enough to rescue him.

A merchant ship carrying a giraffe for the Werribee Zoo, south-west of Melbourne, tried to assist in the rescue but was turned back by rough conditions with winds gusting to 45 knots and four metre swells.

The HMAS Melbourne also tried to get to the scene but was diverted due to poor weather.

A Victoria Police helicopter plucked him from the water in dangerous conditions.